The Hudson Hotel

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

When this former post office reopened in 2006 as a hotel, the idea was to create the atmosphere of a slick Manhattan hangout in Edinburgh's West End. Brick walls and dark floorboards on the ground floor bar may have you fooled that you're in a trendy New York spot, but the waiters' black kilts are a reminder that you're still in Scotland. The all-day menu includes ciabatta sandwiches, home-made soup and baked potatoes for a quick lunchtime refuel, while there are more substantial dishes for under a tenner, such as poached salmon with broccoli and Hollandaise sauce or lamb and potato casserole for a more relaxed meal in the evening. Office suits and thirsty shoppers have adopted this spot for liquid lunches and after-work cocktails, and the soundtrack of house tracks and chart pop gives a buzz in the background. Occasionally, minor details, such as bought-in desserts or dry burger rolls, let the food down. Generally, though, the ingredients are tasty and seasonal. The Hudson is also a popular spot for morning coffees or a quick glass of wine with a side of bread and olives at the end of the day.

• High point: Speedy service if you need to be back at your desk
• Low point: Plasma screen TVs can kill the conversation